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Public asked to raise local issues that matter to them

Council and democracy

Tuesday, 23 May 2023
The council chamber in Middlesbrough Town Hall

Middlesbrough residents are being asked to share what they think are key issues in the town to be looked at by councillors.

The call is part of Middlesbrough Council’s Scrutiny process which allows local elected councillors to explore any topic which affects local people and the area they live in.

These often relate to the work of the Council but can also involve other relevant organisations and bodies.

Middlesbrough Council has a number of scrutiny panels that undertake detailed, evidence-based reviews covering areas including the environment, health services, social care, housing, transport and education.

At the end of the exercise an investigation report is prepared, which summarises the scrutiny panel’s findings and puts forward recommendations to make Middlesbrough a better place to live and work.

As a general rule, topics should relate to community issues that affect the people of the borough. This allows members of the public to have a greater say in council matters by suggesting the holding of enquiries into topics of local concern.

Residents can also attend scrutiny meetings where those topics are being discussed. Councillors welcome all suggestions, although they cannot guarantee that all the suggested topics will be reviewed.

Some examples of previous panel investigations include:

  • Supporting Young People to Prepare for Adulthood and Independence
  • Youth Offending and Partnership Working with Schools
  • Enforcement (impact on crime and anti-social behaviour)

Councillors will be deciding which topics they want to look into, based on suggestions from a variety of sources including residents’ suggestions.

Anyone who wishes to suggest a topic should email scrutiny@middlesbrough.gov.uk by Friday, June 9, 2023.